We have all seen many of our peers throughout our school dressed to the nines and had to step back and wonder. On the surface, we can see spazzy outfits in the ordinary halls of LHS, but these fancy outfits offer an even more profound lesson
By teaching professionalism and business principles, these students are part of a business club here at Lisle High School. DECA stands for the Distributive Education Club of America.
At Lisle High School, this club drives students to get a real depth of the business realm through competitions that imitate role-play real-life business scenarios, from marketing to accounting to hospitality and more.
DECA’s club gives students here at Lisle High School to see what business has in store for their future.
Sophomore Brooke Russel says her biggest takeaway from DECA “is definitely….figuring out.. business is something I do want to do in the future.”
Russel describes DECA competitions, which include a role play and a multiple-choice test. She participated in hospitality and services with her sister.
At each competition, “we’re at a convention center, and basically there is, like, a bunch of rooms, and you have a business situation, and you have to say how you would apply to that,” Russell said.
Speaking to professionals and the professional setting is emphasized in DECA.
Mrs. Korenick believes DECA helps students develop “ just the presence of being able to professionally talk to adults.. greeting them with a handshake, and being able to express your ideas in an organized way, and.. building that confidence.”
Not only does DECA offer knowledge and experience to the students here, but also a place and a sense of belonging when having meetings.
Russell acknowledges the culture of Mrs. K’s meetings, saying, “ She really tries to help every single person, individually or in your team… she’ll take time… to really work with you if you need help to navigate all of your work.”
Mrs. K is a driving force behind the growing participation in DECA.
“Compared to some of the surrounding schools, we’re kind of a relatively newer chapter, but we have grown exponentially in number of members; we’re at about 40 members now.”
The growth of new members in DECA stems from the ease of Mrs. Korenick, who tries to make DECA an open and comfortable experience.
Korenick said, “It can be a little scary and intimidating, but there are partner events, and there are solos that I think it’s a good way to kind of get involved in something creative outside, that’s business-related.”
Russell adds to this point by saying, “I would advise people to join Deca, because overall, it’s just a fun experience that really can just help you figure out, like, what your high school plans..It’s a commitment, but it’s not going to take a huge chunk out of your time.. It’s really just.. a fun experience.